Opening on November 21, 2025, the exhibition “Learning from Design Maestros” at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT introduces six towering figures—Bruno Munari, Max Bill, Achille Castiglioni, Otl Aicher, Enzo Mari, and Dieter Rams—whom we refer to as “Design Maestros.” These individuals not only contributed significantly to design but also played pivotal roles in shaping design education and practice.

Directed by design journalist Noriko Kawakami and curator-writer Kaoru Tashiro, the exhibition reflects on the achievements of these pioneers while posing questions about the future of society and our own lives. Through their iconic works, archival footage, and words, visitors can explore the humanity and design practices of these masters, who consistently thought, created, and communicated with an eye toward the future of society and daily life.

The exhibition also highlights the perspective of Shutaro Mukai (1932–2024), who studied under Max Bill and Otl Aicher and later helped lay the foundations of design studies in Japan. Don’t miss the chance to encounter these “teachers,” who were full of boundless curiosity and courage.

Title 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Exhibition “Learning from Design Maestros”
Date November 21 (Fri.), 2025－March 8 (Sun.), 2026
Venue 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Gallery 1 & 2
Organized by 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, THE MIYAKE ISSEY FOUNDATION
Exhibition Directors Noriko Kawakami, Kaoru Tashiro
Planning Associate Tomoko Mukai, Takaaki Bando (Professor, Science of Design, Musashino Art University)
Planning Associate, Promotional Graphic Design SPREAD
Space Design TONERICO:INC.
Film Production Seiichi Hishikawa (DRAWING AND MANUAL)
More information: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

Born Winterhur, Switzerland, 1908. Studied silversmith at the Arts and Crafts School of Zurich City, 1924-1927, then entered Bauhaus. Talented in diverse fields as architect, artist, Grafiker (graphic artist), Gestalter (designer) and writer. Led Concrete Art movement pursuing art based on the way of mathematical thinking. He founded and was the architect of the Ulm School of Design with Inge Aicher-Scholl and Otl Aicher, and was appointed its first Rector in 1953. His philosophy of environmental design had great influence. The Ulm stool / Ulmer Hocker and Junghans watch express his concept of “commodity as cultural asset” and these masterpieces are still in production. Received the Praemium Imperiale in Honour of Prince Takamatsu, 1993, Sculpture category.